We all tell stories with our skin. Scars tell about the things we've survived; tattoos tell tales of who we want to be. Notes scribbled on hands suggest an absent-minded bent; dirty fingernails reveal hard work; paint residue announces an artist (or a preschool teacher). Then there are the messages we want to share with the world, the words we live by. "You're stronger than you think." "We are all one." "Be the change." How powerful would it be if you wore your letter to the world on your skin, in bold black letters?
I can't stop looking at the striking images on Dear World, all the messages markered onto hands, arms, the occasional face or chest.  This photographic project, started in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, encourages people to write a message to the world on their skin. Visit the Dear World site for more on how the project started and what the founder's favorite messages have been. Some of the photographs suggest an untold story that gives you a spine shiver: "Cancer-free." "I'm going to college." But to me the best part of Dear World is the after-effect. After clicking through the photos I found myself staring at people out on the street, silently asking each, So what's your story?

Given the power you have, what with all this skin, what story do you want to tell the world? Tell us in the comments! Go on, get it off your chest...(on your chest?). Er, you get the idea.

Read More:
A Love Letter to the World
Send A Note To Future-You